Q: Why are distances not being shown?

A: A valid location must first be assigned to the Hub location. This will be used as a central point for range calculations as well as range searches for search plug-ins that support it. Drag a location onto the Hub button or the Hub window to assign it to be the Hub location.

Q: Can distances be shown in miles instead?

A: Yes. This can be selected in the Preferences Units tab.

Q: Where is the setting to always show the detailed map?

A: This preferences setting should always appear in OS X. In OS 8 and 9, however, the setting will only appear if anAtlas's Preferred Memory Size is set to greater than 40000 KB (yes, that is a whopping 40 MB) and if that memory is indeed available when anAtlas is run. To raise the Preferred Memory Size, make sure anAtlas is not running, select the anAtlas application and "Show Info". Then select "Memory" and enter the desired size in the "Preferred Size" field.

Q: Can the map be saved as a picture?

A: There is no command in anAtlas to save the map as a picture. But you can always use the snapshot routine built in to Mac OS. To do this, hold down shift and command (the apple key) and press the '4' key. A cross hair will appear. Now click and drag a rectangle over the area you wish to save. When you release the mouse, you should hear a 'shutter click' sound. In OS X, the resultant 'Picture' should appear on your desktop. In OS 8 and 9, it should appear at the root level of your startup volume. (If you additionally hold down the control key, it will be saved directly to the clipboard)

Q: Can I use maps from anAtlas legally?

A: Yes. Both of anAtlas's built-in maps were constructed using public domain data. Therefore any maps produced with anAtlas may be used royalty-free for any purpose. There is also no requirement to credit anAtlas.

Q: Can the anAtlas Local Database be edited?

A: No. It is a speed-optimized binary file. But you could copy locations to Favorites, edit them there, and then under "Local searches" check "Also search current Favorites" in the Preferences Search tab.

Q: Will it work on a non-PowerPC or a Mac OS older than 8.1?

A: No and no. And before you even ask...no. (The oldest Mac on which anAtlas is tested and supported is a stock PowerPC 6100 with 24MB RAM running an original install of Mac OS 8.1.)

Q: What about time zones, weather, web cams?

A: If you need these features, check out EarthBrowser, Hour World, Time Palette, and World Clock. There are no plans to ever integrate these features into anAtlas. There are currently QuickLinks for weather, but I wouldn't call that integrated.

Q: What about a 3-D Earth projection?

A: Now this is something I would really like to do someday. But this is pretty far off. Maybe anAtlas 4.0. Both EarthBrowser and Time Palette currently do this.

Q: How accurate are the search results?

A: That depends on the search engine being used. Results from USGS GNIS are usually within a few hundred meters. Population data and recent changes in political hierarchy may not be up-to-date in some cases. If you find errors in the anAtlas Local Database, please let me know. If the error is in an Internet search engine, first make sure it is not an anAtlas HTML parsing error by option-clicking on Search to send the search to your default browser. If it is correct in your browser, please email me so I know to fix it. If it is wrong in your browser, let the organization running the search engine know.

Q: Can I make my own plug-ins?

A: Not easily. One of the reasons I switched to a plug-in architecture was to make it easier for me to add new search capability. The other reason was to make it easy for users to create and modify plug-ins, but achieving this will take considerably more work. I hope to eventually do this.

Q: Is there a Windows version available?

A: Not at this time. Sorry. If a Windows version is ever released it will be posted to Windows software and resource sites. Check out AmiGlobe and EarthBrowser for Windows.

Q: Will systems older than OS X continue to be supported?

A: Yes, for a while at least. Especially since some schools are using anAtlas on Macs that can't be upgraded to OS X. My plan is to continue simultaneous develop for OS 8, 9, and X until keeping a single codebase becomes problematic. There will be some features, however, that only work in OS X - for example, keeping the high-detail map in memory.

Q: What features are most likely to be added in future versions?

A: I am always working to improve performance, usability, and stability of anAtlas. But when I have time to play, here is what I am most likely to play with: (listed in no particular order)

• OS X-type toolbar
• AppleScript support
• Multiple Favorites lists
• Adjustable appearance for Favorites plot symbols
• Ability to "Lock" places in Results List between searches
• Recall recent search results
• Simultaneous Internet searches (like Sherlock)
• Automatic or manual Plug-in updates
• Plug-in support for searching downloaded and user created databases
• Custom Plug-in editor for easier creation of new Plug-ins
• Better support for work space across multiple monitors
• Ability to copy and save the Map image
• Country names on maps
• User loadable world maps
• Support for UTM coordinate system
• Oblate earth calculations for distance/elevation
• Window for calculating trip legs/total, polar bearing, ECI, ECR, UTM, etc.

Chumley Siding